The connection between mood and brainpower is something that many nootropics utilize, but this is especially prevalent in the mechanism of action for Phenylethylamine.

This dopamine-boosting supplement is considered to be a powerful focus and concentration promoter, able to counteract signs of depression and anxiety. It is also said to increase productivity and mental drive, motivating your way to better mental performance.

How does Phenylethylamine work, what are its primary benefits and are there any potential side effects or drug interactions to consider before uusing it?

It occurs in the nervous system of humans and other mammals, functioning as a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator. This trace amine causes the release of the neurotransmitters Dopamine and Norepinephrine within the brain.

Dopamine is connected to sexual drive, feelings of pleasure, and the brain’s reward system. Norepinephrine is thought to lead to heightened attention, heart rate, and connected with the fight or flight response.

In this regard, Phenylethylamine is both a stimulant and a psychoactive drug that you naturally reease during periods of heightened excitement and arousal.

Phenylethylamine & Chocolate:

Back in the 1980’s a famous book made the rounds explaining the so-called chocolate theory of love.

The basic idea behind this is that chocolate contains a large amount of Phenylethylamine and since everyone feels good after and during the eating of chocolate, this must be connected to PEA. This supplement is present in higher concentrations in dark chocolate…just in case you are considering testing this theory on your own!

Primarily due to the popularity of this book, Phenylethylamine has become known as the “love drug.” Whatever the truth behind all of this, it certainly does help to elevate the mood and may even mimic the brain chemistry of someone who is in love.

We see a lot of the characteristic signs of infatuation being mimicked in the effects of Phenylethylamine, such as a spike in your mood and the feeling of your heart pounding. Some people do take Phenylethylamine for this “high” or to inspire more romantic feelings, but these same effects can have a very positive impact on cognitive function, depression and even cases of ADHD and ADD.

How Does Phenylethylamine Work?

The basic mechanism of action for this supplement is similar to that of many other Nootropic substances. That is, it is readily absorbed into the bloodstream (ordinarily through the intestinal system) and then crosses the blood-brain barrier. It does not have the best transportation across this barrier, so you typically need larger doses to ensure that enough of it reaches the brain in order to have a significant effect.

Phenylethylamine works on both the Dopamine and Norepinephrine production and transmitters or receptor sites. In other words, not only does it help to increase the production and/or release of these powerful brain chemicals, it also works to block the action of their transmitters (chemicals within the brain that work to lessen the concentration of these neurotransmitters).

The result is higher levels of stimulation for your Dopamine and Norepinephrine synaptic receptors.

Phenylethylamine Side Effects

Although this supplement is considered to be generally very safe – after all it is a naturally occurring compound within the human body – there have been some side effects associated with extensive use. These are generally very mild and include things like headaches, heart burn, nausea, constipation, and perhaps some insomnia, and dizziness.

If any of these Phenylethylamine Side Effects occur it is usually best to reduce your dosage, or even stop using it completely for a few days until the side effects subside. Some people suggest that you should not take this nootropic every day as it may start to build up in your system and cause your receptors to become less sensitive.

Phenylethylamine Dosage & Usage

The generally recommended daily dosage range for PEA is between 250 and 1,000 mg per day. Typical users remain in the middle of this range. Whenever beginning with a new supplement it is strongly advised to start with the lowest effective dose (even this may take some trial and error) and then only increase once you become familiar with the new effects and benefits.

You can buy Phenylethylamine in pill or powdered format to take on its own or in a nootropic stack with other compounds. It should not be used by people who are also taking other medications such as MAO-Is for the treatment of depression.

MECHANISM: Phenylethylamine supplements reduce the uptake and increase the release of various neurotransmitters – specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – which can have mood modulation and cognitive enhancement effects. READ MORE...

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated as Possibly Unsafe when used orally unless under medical supervision. At recommended dosage it is normally well tolerated. Side effects can include stimulant effects similar to amphetamine, constipation, headaches, heartburn, dizziness, insomnia, and nausea. READ MORE...

INTERACTIONS: Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs), Desipramine, Dextromethorphan, Meperidine, MAOIs, Pentazocine, Tramadol. May interact with herbs and supplements that increase serotonin levels, including L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, SAMe, and St. John's Wort. Can have interactions with individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

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